If you’re a Google Sheets user, you’ve probably come across a situation where you needed to import data from one spreadsheet to another. Luckily, Google Sheets has a handy function called IMPORTRANGE that makes this task a breeze.
What is IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets?
IMPORTRANGE allows you to import data from one Google Sheets spreadsheet to another, as long as you have access to both. This function is extremely useful when working with multiple spreadsheets and wanting to consolidate data.
Syntax of the IMPORTRANGE Function
The syntax of the IMPORTRANGE function is as follows:
=importrange("Spreadsheet_URL", "data_range")
"Spreadsheet_URL": specifies the URL of the spreadsheet from which you want to import data. You can simply copy the URL of your spreadsheet and it will always work."data_range": refers to the range of data you want to import. You can specify a reference to the range of values to import (sheet!range) or use a named range (you’ll learn how to create one in Google Sheets later on).
Make sure to enclose the spreadsheet URL and data range in quotation marks.
It’s important to note that you need access to the source spreadsheet. If the spreadsheet you want to include is also owned by you, a prompt will appear to connect the sheets. Click on “Allow access” and the data will be loaded.
How to Use IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets
Using IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets is quite simple. Here are a few examples to guide you:
Example: IMPORTRANGE with Spreadsheet Key
- Copy the URL and data range you want to import, then paste them into the function in your target spreadsheet.
- Press Enter. An #REF! error will appear with the message “You need to connect these sheets”. Click on “Allow access”.
- The data is now imported!
Example: IMPORTRANGE with a Named Range
To use a named range with IMPORTRANGE, follow these steps:
- Select the range where you want to set a specific name.
- Right-click on the range.
- Look for and select “Define named range”. This option may be hidden under “More cell actions”.
- The “Named ranges” sidebar will appear. Type the name you want to give to the range. Click on “Done”.
- You have now defined a named range in the source spreadsheet.
You can now use the named range in the IMPORTRANGE function. Instead of using the sheet name and range reference, you can simply use the name of the named range:
=importrange("Spreadsheet_URL", "named_range")
This works just as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the imported data automatically updated?
Yes! Google Sheets automatically updates the IMPORTRANGE function. It may take a few seconds for the updated data to load. If it doesn’t, you can try the following solutions:
- Solution 1: Press F5 to refresh Google Sheets.
- Solution 2: Modify the range of the function. Sometimes, new rows added to the source sheet are not included in the specified range.
Is there a limit on the size of the range?
The Google Sheets guide does not specify a limit on the size of the range you can import with this function. However, the effective range you can use is limited by your computer or mobile device’s ability to handle the data, as well as the time it takes for Google Sheets to recalculate the entries. The latter is important to ensure the imported data is accurate and up-to-date.
If you need to import more data and the single function you’re using shows a “Result too large” error, you can use the following solution:
={importrange(spreadsheet_url, range1);importrange(spreadsheet_url, range2);importrange(spreadsheet_url, range3);...}This splits the range into more manageable sizes.
Can filters be applied to the imported data?
You can filter the imported data by combining IMPORTRANGE with the QUERY function, another powerful function in Google Sheets. Here’s an example of the syntax:
=QUERY(importrange("Spreadsheet_URL", "data_range"), "SQL_query_commands")The query commands will filter the data and retrieve only the information you need.
Can formatted data be imported?
Only values are imported via the IMPORTRANGE function; formatting is not included.
Can I use multiple IMPORTRANGE functions in the same spreadsheet?
Yes, you can include multiple instances of the IMPORTRANGE function in the same spreadsheet. When combining them, make sure the imported ranges do not overlap. If there is overlap, an error will be generated.
If you want to ensure there is no overlap, you can use the same solution as in the previous section for managing large results.
Conclusion
The IMPORTRANGE function is a handy tool for importing data from other Google Sheets spreadsheets into your own. It’s simple yet robust and can be combined with other functions such as QUERY for filtering capabilities and better results.
We hope this article has helped you better understand how to use IMPORTRANGE in Google Sheets. You might also be interested in our articles on how to use the IMPORTHTML function in Google Sheets and how to use IMPORTXML in Google Sheets.
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